Description
A creamy and satisfying Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in crispy bacon fat, tossed in a rich cream cheese and ranch seasoning sauce, and combined with perfectly al dente pasta. This easy one-pan meal is enhanced with flavorful bacon bits and optional freshly grated parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (4 thinner pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Bacon
- 4 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
Sauce
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
Optional Garnish
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a salted pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears for ease. Cook the bacon over medium-high heat in a skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise into thinner pieces (4 total). Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, using salt sparingly due to the salty bacon and ranch seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: To the same skillet, add the chicken broth, softened cream cheese, and ranch seasoning. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Adjust thickness by adding a splash more broth or some hot pasta water if needed.
- Slice the Chicken: Cut the cooked chicken into strips to prepare for serving.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta with the creamy sauce, stirring in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for topping.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among bowls, top with sliced chicken, remaining bacon bits, and freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Softening the cream cheese beforehand ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Use kitchen shears for easy bacon chopping without a mess.
- Be cautious with salt since bacon and ranch seasoning are already salty.
- Adding pasta water can help adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice finishing touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
